Most ceiling fans come with two settings so you can reverse their direction. Look for a switch located on your fan’s motor housing to adjust its rotation. In the summer, switching over to counter-clockwise rotation helps push air downward, creating a nice breeze inside your home.
Using a ceiling fan allows you to raise the thermostat by up to four degrees without comprising your comfort. This means you can save up to 40 percent on air conditioning costs this summer just by reversing the rotation direction. Fans create a wind chill effect in the air and help your room feel cooler.
Here are a few tips to remember when using your fan this summer:
• When shopping for a fan, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. Fans with the label move air up to 20 percent more efficiently than standard models.
• Don’t leave your fan on when you’re not home—fans cool people down, not rooms. If no one is there to benefit from “the wind chill effect,” save energy by turning it off.
• Make sure your fan is properly installed for safety and energy reasons. A fan that’s not installed correctly can actually drive up your energy bills and become a safety concern—especially if the installation is loose and wobbly, or the wiring is not connected safely.
Have questions about your ceiling fan? Or considering switching out a light fixture for a fan? Be sure to contact a professional electrician like the ones here at Seider—your local Carrier dealer. It’s easier and safer to let the pros do it for you.